Viral Video of SPPG Staff Mocking Suspected MBG Poisoning Victims, BGN DIY Issues Reprimand

YOGYAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A video has gone viral on social media showing an employee of the Nutritional Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) in Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), mocking victims of a suspected poisoning incident related to the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.

In response, Wirandita Gagat Widyatmoko, Regional Coordinator of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) for DIY, stated that the mocking employee holds the position of financial supervisor.

"We have already issued a reprimand to the SPPG unit and the individual concerned," he said on Saturday (8/19/2026).

Gagat emphasized that any incident involving food safety that affects beneficiaries must be addressed seriously, with empathy and humanity.

"We are concerned and regretful if it is true that a member of SPPG made statements lacking empathy toward the community suspected to be affected." 

"In such situations, what should come first is humanity, empathy, sensitivity, and mutual respect," he added.

He said that incidents in one area should serve as attention and lessons for all SPPG units in other regions.

He does not want any case affecting beneficiaries to become a subject of jokes, ridicule, or comments that could hurt those facing difficult circumstances.

He also stressed that handling each incident must remain based on facts and not precede the official investigation process.

Terms like "suspected", "indication", or "initial information" must be used accurately until verification and proof are completed.

"We must distinguish between providing clarification, expressing opinions, and passing judgment on an incident." 

"We must avoid making insensitive statements that could escalate the problem just for the sake of commenting," he said.

Gagat reminded all personnel—from Regional Coordinators, Sub-regional Coordinators, Head of SPPG, Nutrition Supervisors, Financial Supervisors, to all SPPG staff—to maintain communication ethics, including when using social media.

Every team member is expected to understand that public statements can impact public trust in the overall MBG Program implementation.

This stance aligns with the importance of strengthening governance and adherence to SOPs in SPPG administration, especially following several food safety incidents drawing public attention.

BGN has also reaffirmed the importance of compliance with operational standards and food safety in conducting the MBG program. 

"We invite everyone to respect each other. When a fellow citizen, beneficiary, or community member is suspected to be affected by an incident, our first response should be empathy, not judgment." 

"Let us use every incident as a lesson to improve services and strengthen prevention," he concluded.

Gagat added that BGN continues to respect the investigation and verification processes for every incident.

The main focus of all personnel remains ensuring food safety, improving service quality, and preventing similar incidents through consistent SOP implementation.

"We work for the people. Therefore, let us protect not only the quality of the food we provide but also the way we treat and communicate with the public." 

"Being sensitive to conditions, empathizing with those affected, and mutual respect must be part of our work culture," he closed.